Into the Fire

Personal dreams or goals are odd things. Some of them are based on impossibilities and others are based on the individual's sheer will to meet them or to make them happen. Ranging from marriage and a happy family to climbing Mt. Everest, dreams and goals are usually present in almost all humanity.

When we think about those who are being butchered and persecuted, starved and imprisoned, it's hard to imagine what their dreams might be. We're privileged to at the very least think about what we hope will happen or what we are committed to make happen in our life's quest.

Those who seek positions or authority, who wish to gain fame and fortune, who want to write or paint the next world-renowned masterpiece, but who do so while relying on their own ingenuity, intelligence, inspiration, and indulgence are missing the greatest fete of all: the dependence on the One who gives creativity, gifting, abilities, and determination while guiding individuals to fulfill those things designed just for them. To understand the life purpose, to struggle along the way establishing humility in the tasks, to absolutely know that God introduces people to their talents and lays the groundwork for completing the journey to His endgame . . . it takes the ultimate faith to persevere to achieve whatever that is.

The lessons learned in this lifetime often come hard and fast and can be repeated as necessary. Without purpose life's goals and dreams can seem meaningless or eventually unattainable creating disillusionment. People push themselves to do unlikely things because they want them to happen not because they've discovered any divine leading to accomplish them. Modifications are made, time stretches taut, or perhaps every goal and dream sought are realized. And then . . . void. Or narcissism. Or the illusion of perfection. And the push for more continues.

With God people can find new inspiration as the original plan is finished. Age requires new ideas that can be productive and sustained. God has the plan for each human being He created. Some plans are simple, others complex, others defined only by Him, but no one is discounted, no one is without purpose. It's easy for humans to forget that. And it's easier still for humans to disregard that unique design while pursuing other goals and dreams that are highly valued only to themselves.

If in the middle of pursuing that illusive dream or goal, consider the One who designed you, who owns the Master Plan, who will accompany you through every level of disappointment and achievement, who will never abandon you when you fail and will finally help you to succeed His way no matter how long it takes or how old you are.    

Father, you are the ultimate gift giver, the Grand Designer, the fulfiller of promises. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.